Born in Berlin and having spent her childhood doodling in Germany, England and the USA, Susannah Dowse obtained a degree in Fine Art from the University of Brighton before indulging her childhood dream and becoming a fashion and print designer.
Her clients included Topman, Boxfresh, Sari and Wayne Hemingway, for whom she produced a range of bespoke millinery. She was Head Designer at the award-winning Remade label which she set up for recycled textile charity TRAID (Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development) and has lectured in fashion design and sustainable design at the University of Portsmouth and Winchester School of Art.
Her love of print design has also led more recently to successful forays into freelance illustration. Ridley and Dowse is the result of a close collaboration between two long-time friends whose shared ethics, sense of humour and aesthetic values mean that, whatever they're creating, they're enjoying themselves immensely.
Vivienne Ridley was born and raised in the north of England, crossing the Pennines to gain a degree in Jewellery at Sheffield.
Since student life her career in design has been constant. Running a jewellery business for 10 years designing and manufacturing jewellery ranges in precious and non precious materials, gaining national and international press appraisal and selling beautiful jewels to the likes of Harrods, Warehouse, Ted Baker and a network of independent boutiques nationally and internationally.
Vivienne taught on Art Foundation and City and Guilds courses in Manchester before locating to the South of England. Since settling in Brighton Vivienne has continued to work in design, including working as a designer for TRAID (Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development) where she produced a range of accessories (corsages. brooches and belts) in recycled leather.
The working partnership and friendship with Susannah Dowse has been brewing for a good few years combining their appreciation for aesthetic perfection, attention to detail and ethical beliefs on design and production.
